Early spring can be a very busy time. Schedules and events start to pick up steam after the winter months. Everyone wants to do everything right now. So, it doesn’t take long for calendars to fill up. Work schedules, yard work, spring breaks, spring cleaning, home projects, kids’ activities, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and funerals all make for a hectic season.
What about Easter? Where does Easter fit into the schedule? Easter is one of those holidays where everyone in the family is trying to do the best they can. But, there is really no good way to get everything done. There is really no good way to please everyone. Choices will have to be made. And someone is bound to be disappointed.
Easter can be a confusing day in some families. Who colors the eggs? Who cooks Easter dinner? Will we have an Easter Egg Hunt? Are we supposed to bring Easter baskets and presents? And then there’s always that one person who doesn’t like lamb or ham. So, meatballs it is!
Anymore, we all just have to take life one day at a time and hope for the best. Try to make this Easter as loving as possible; for yourself and for others. Consider this last-minute “Easter Plans” checklist:
• Be willing to talk with family and friends about any possible Easter plans.
• If you must travel or spend the night, be willing to get a hotel room.
• Plan a few specific activities.
• Attend church.
• Bring a dish to share to a meal.
• Be interested in each other.
• Take pictures.
• Avoid eating and drinking too much.
• Take some deep breaths.
• Get some physical exercise.
• Keep things light-hearted and fun.
• Let go of any past hurts.
As families get larger, and some relationships might become more complicated, and travel time becomes longer, remember that there are only 24 hours in one day. And everyone can only eat so much. Be patient. Do your part to make this Easter a little more special for everyone involved. But try to be realistic as well. Anticipate problems. Prepare for possible rejection. And always have an Easter “back-up” plan; just in case.
This coming Holy Week, with all its possible daily events and activities, might require one to take a few minutes to regroup. Pause and make a plan to balance work, family, Church, and social life. It might help to write everything down. Set aside a specific time for each task. Make sure to include planning time, preparation time, and travel time.
Start by setting a few simple priorities and allow plans to flow naturally from there. If “plan A” falls through, then be willing to have a “plan B”, and so on. Only do what must be done. And make a decision to drop/let go of the rest.
Easter can be a very special and reflective time of year. So relax and enjoy. And plan for the best Easter ever.
